Luxury Bar to Open in Historic Milburn House; LEISURE

Luxury Bar to Open in Historic Milburn House; LEISURE

Article excerpt

THE RESURGENCE of Newcastle's leisure scene will continue apace in 2015 with the opening of a new luxury champagne bar in historic Milburn House.

Twenty new jobs will be created when Glass House opens its doors to the public in January, following an investment of PS250,000 spearheaded by hospitality entrepreneur Mark Nigrelli.

Mr Nigrelli said he and his team have spent more than six months perfecting plans for the bar, which will also boast a courtyard area, making sure designs result in a sympathetic refurbishment to complement Milburn House.

The venue will mainly operate as a select wine and champagne bar but will also include a whiskey cellar, while also serving tapas and canapes to customers.

Open from 5pm to 1am Monday to Sunday, the venue also pledges to provide live, background jazz and swing music on certain nights, and Mr Nigrelli is also working with Newcastle College to help students gain hospitality experience.

He said: "Newcastle has been waiting a long time for a high-end bar and has been somewhat behind other UK cities in the offerings available to local drinkers.

"Locals and visitors to Newcastle deserve a five-star bar with highquality servers and products that they can't find anywhere else in the city.

"Milburn House was the perfect location to choose as the history dates back to the early 1900s when business and commerce in the region was booming and locals sought out drinking establishments that offered something a bit different.

"That's exactly what Glass House is offering; a place where business professionals and discerning drinkers can enjoy a high-quality drink in good company, away from the more 'commercialised' venues across the city.

"We're perfectly situated to attract after-work drinkers as well as the weekend trade for a sophisticated and luxurious drinking experience."

The firm has yet to complete the transformation of its site inside Milburn House's ground floor, yet plans are already under way to open further Glass House destinations elsewhere. …